Jack Wilshere wants talks with Arsene Wenger to work out how he will fit into his congested midfield next season, writes Steve Bates in Singapore.

The Arsenal star - who has been a summer target for Manchester City - missed a five-month chunk of last season following ankle surgery.

England international Wilshere played in only 14 of the Gunners' 38 Premier League games and didn’t kick a ball between November and May – but now, after returning to fitness, he wants to know where Wenger wants him to operate.

The 23-year-old, who scored from the penalty spot, played a more advanced central role in Arsenal’s 4-0 win against a Singapore XI here on Wednesday to help steer Wenger’s team into a Barclays Asia Trophy final against Everton at the weekend.

And with simmering interest from big-spending City, who are on the look-out for more English players after landing Raheem Sterling from Liverpool, Wilshere is determined to be back to his best for the new season.

“I haven’t spoken to the boss about what plans he has for me — but I will do before the start of the season,” said Wilshere.

“At the moment, I’m just concentrating on getting fit. I had a good end to the season and I just want to keep it going.

“That’s why I wanted to come back in early for pre-season because I felt I missed too much of last season and wanted to give myself the best opportunity to get fit.

“I asked the boss — I said, ‘Boss, can I come back early?’ I wanted that because I missed quite a lot of last season. The competition is strong in midfield so, yes, it’s down to us as individuals to make that place ours but I’m up for the challenge and I’m sure the other boys are as well.”

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But Wenger gave no hint aftwe Wednesday's match about where he plans to play Wilshere, with Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil, Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini, Francis Coquelin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all also fancying a central berth.

The Arsenal manager said: “For me, Jack can play in all the offensive positions - wide and central; and we have many good creative players. They will all tell you they want to play centrally. Unfortunately, some have to go wide as well.

“Jack always had an appetite but he’s been out for a long time. But already in the last two or three games of last season, he has found his burst back. His acceleration.

“For him and Alex, it is a big part of their game. To be efficient, they need that. There are high demands physically to be perfect. Jack is getting close.

Outside chance: Wenger warns some of his would-be central midfielders will have to play wide (Photo: Stuart MacFarlane)

“Like Alex, he was injured last year, early in the season and missed five months. The top level is so demanding physical that to be in and out is a nightmare for the players.

“Jack needs continuity.

"After that, we will play so many games [Arsenal have qualified directly for the Champions League's group stage]. We have a big squad but not a massive one. The opportunities will be there for everyone.”